Proverbs 6:8 kjv
Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
Proverbs 6:8 nkjv
Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.
Proverbs 6:8 niv
yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:8 esv
she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.
Proverbs 6:8 nlt
they labor hard all summer,
gathering food for the winter.
Proverbs 6 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 10:4 | Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. | Contrasts laziness with wealth through diligence. |
| Prov 12:24 | Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. | Foresight leads to leadership, sloth to servitude. |
| Prov 13:4 | A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are satisfied. | Diligence brings fulfillment and satisfaction. |
| Prov 21:5 | The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. | Diligent planning ensures success. |
| Prov 22:29 | Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will stand before kings. | Skill from diligence brings prominence. |
| Prov 24:30-34 | I went past the field of a sluggard... little more sleep, a little more slumber, poverty will overtake you. | Illustrates consequences of lack of preparation. |
| Eccl 9:10 | Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. | Emphasizes working diligently with strength. |
| 2 Thess 3:10 | If anyone is unwilling to work, they shall not eat. | Strong New Testament mandate for work ethic. |
| Col 3:23 | Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. | Encourages diligent work with divine motivation. |
| Gen 41:33-36 | Joseph advised Pharaoh to appoint overseers... and gather grain during the good years to prepare for famine. | Example of vast, national-scale preparation. |
| Lk 14:28-30 | Suppose one of you wants to build a tower? Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost... | Illustrates foresight in personal planning. |
| Prov 21:20 | In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. | Wise hoard, foolish squander; contrasts preparedness. |
| Prov 30:24-25 | Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer. | Reaffirms the ant as a wisdom teacher. |
| Prov 6:9-11 | How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber... | Direct immediate context contrasting idleness. |
| Mt 25:14-30 | Parable of the Talents, rewarding diligent stewards. | Rewarding faithful stewardship and growth. |
| Lk 16:10 | Whoever is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much. | Encourages diligence in seemingly small matters. |
| Phil 4:19 | My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory. | God's provision balanced with human diligence. |
| Mt 6:26 | Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. | God's provision; however, this does not negate human work. |
| Heb 6:11-12 | We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end... not become lazy. | Calls for persistent diligence in spiritual pursuit. |
| 2 Pet 1:5-8 | Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;... and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance;... | Exhorts to diligent effort in spiritual growth. |
Proverbs 6 verses
Proverbs 6 8 Meaning
Proverbs 6:8 conveys a fundamental lesson in foresight, diligence, and prudent preparation for the future. By observing the ant, the verse illustrates the wisdom of laboring proactively during times of plenty – summer and harvest – to secure essential provisions, thus safeguarding against future scarcity and need. It emphasizes intelligent effort, responsibility, and the strategic gathering of resources when conditions are favorable.
Proverbs 6 8 Context
Proverbs chapter 6 forms part of the didactic discourses from a father to his son, imparting practical wisdom for a flourishing life. Verses 6-11 specifically address the "sluggard" or lazy person, urging them to learn from the ant's natural behavior as a powerful object lesson. The preceding verses in the chapter deal with issues like giving pledges and avoiding harlotry, while the ant proverb serves as a pivot to a core teaching on responsibility and diligent living. In an agrarian society, the cycles of summer and harvest were critical periods for agricultural production and survival. Failure to prepare during these times directly led to famine and hardship during leaner months. The ant’s actions thus provide a direct, observable, and universally understandable model for industriousness and planning, contrasting sharply with any societal or individual tendencies towards idleness or imprudence.
Proverbs 6 8 Word analysis
- she: Refers back to the ant mentioned in Proverbs 6:6. It highlights the inherent, uncoached behavior of this creature, which naturally acts in its own best interest without external supervision.
- gathers (Hebrew: takhin - תָּכִין): Derived from the root kun, meaning "to prepare," "to establish," or "to provide." This is more active and intentional than mere gathering. It implies planning, organizing, and purposeful collection for future use, not just haphazard accumulation.
- her food (Hebrew: lachmah - לַחְמָהּ): Literally "her bread." In ancient Hebrew thought, "bread" often represents the staple or primary food, signifying all necessary sustenance. This emphasizes basic needs being met through proactive effort.
- in summer (Hebrew: bäqqäyits - בַּקַּיִץ): Refers to the warm season when resources are plentiful and activities like foraging are feasible. This indicates seizing opportune moments to work when conditions are most favorable, anticipating less favorable times.
- and stores (Hebrew: 'ägarä - אָגְרָה): Derived from the root agar, meaning "to gather," "to store up," or "to hoard." This word explicitly describes the action of laying aside or accumulating for future use. It emphasizes saving and holding back, distinct from the active preparation implied by takhin.
- her provision (Hebrew: 'äk®läh - אָכְלָהּ): A general term for "food," "edibles," or "sustenance." Similar to lachmah, it broadly covers what is consumed. Its use here reinforces the ant's dedication to securing its nutritional needs.
- in harvest (Hebrew: bäqqätsîr - בַּקָּצִיר): The specific season when crops are reaped. This signifies another period of abundance, where large quantities of food are readily available. It reiterates the principle of maximizing productivity during times of ample supply.
Words-group by words-group analysis data:
- "she gathers her food in summer": This phrase highlights the ant's proactive nature. "Gathers" (prepares) shows foresight and strategic action. "In summer" points to seizing the opportunity during a time of abundance and good conditions. It is a period of purposeful effort.
- "and stores her provision in harvest": This phrase complements the first by emphasizing accumulation and long-term planning. "Stores" clearly denotes future-oriented behavior, preserving resources. "In harvest" specifies another season of plenty, where collecting can be highly efficient due to readily available bounty, indicating strategic timing. Both phrases underscore consistent and disciplined work during optimal periods to ensure future security.
Proverbs 6 8 Bonus section
The ant is specifically presented as having "no guide, overseer or ruler" (Prov 6:7), which amplifies the message of internal discipline and self-motivation. The ant’s wisdom is not learned from external instruction or forced by a taskmaster; it is an instinctual and autonomous drive towards productive planning. This makes its example even more convicting for human beings who, despite possessing reason and often having external accountability, fail to exhibit similar foresight. The imagery appeals to common sense and direct observation of the natural world, a hallmark of wisdom literature, making the instruction universally relatable and undeniable. The principle taught here aligns with the concept of stewardship—responsibly managing what God has given, whether time, talents, or resources, for future benefit and honor.
Proverbs 6 8 Commentary
Proverbs 6:8, continuing the instruction against sloth begun in verse 6, directs the "sluggard" to the humble ant. The ant’s actions are simple, innate, and yet profoundly wise: it tirelessly prepares and stores its necessities when resources are abundant. There is no external authority or supervisor; its discipline is intrinsic. The mention of "summer" and "harvest" clearly delineates the seasons of plenty and opportunity. The ant uses these times to ensure survival during the lean and unproductive winter months. This wisdom challenges the sluggard who, despite possessing intellect, squanders time during productive seasons and thus faces hardship when conditions are adverse. It is a powerful reminder that current diligence dictates future security, not only in physical provisions but also in terms of character development, skill acquisition, and spiritual growth. Procrastination during seasons of opportunity inevitably leads to lack and regret.
- Example 1: A student diligently studies throughout the semester, rather than cramming only before exams, ensuring better understanding and results.
- Example 2: A family saves a portion of their income during financially good times to create a safety net for unforeseen expenses or emergencies.
- Example 3: A believer consistently nourishes their spiritual life through Bible study and prayer in peaceful times, preparing for trials or spiritual battles.